Tim Scott Plans to Endorse Donald Trump

The former president and his allies had been privately courting Mr. Scott, hoping to win his endorsement before the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday.

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Tim Scott and Donald Trump during a 2020 rally in South Carolina.

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina will endorse Donald J. Trump on Friday evening at a rally in New Hampshire, according to two people briefed on the matter.

Mr. Scott was traveling to Florida on Friday so that he could fly with Mr. Trump to New Hampshire for the rally, the two people said. His endorsement of Mr. Trump is likely to spur additional discussion of Mr. Scott as a potential running mate for the former president. He is the highest-ranking elected Black Republican in the nation.

Mr. Scott arrived at his decision only recently. After ending his own campaign for president on Nov. 12, he had said he would not endorse “anytime soon.” But he came to the conclusion that Mr. Trump was the best candidate to defeat President Biden, according to one person familiar with his thinking.

A spokesman for Mr. Scott declined to comment. A spokesman for the former president did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

During the race, Mr. Trump avoided criticizing Mr. Scott, a sign that he held warmer feelings for the senator, whom he worked alongside while president. In 2020, Mr. Trump had given Mr. Scott one of the most coveted speaking roles in politics, making him a keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention.

Mr. Scott also was fairly gentle about Mr. Trump, mildly criticizing him for saying he wanted to forge a compromise with Democrats on abortion but generally steering clear of sharp attacks.

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